An Ultimate Guide to Weapons in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Yasuke and Naoe, the key characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, wield an array of unique weapons that significantly shape their combat styles. Dive into this thrilling world by pre-ordering on the Microsoft Store for Xbox and snag the exclusive Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs bonus quest at no additional cost. Mark your calendars for March 20, 2025, as that’s when Assassin’s Creed Shadows officially launches for Xbox Series X|S.

Get ready to immerse yourself in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, available from March 20, 2025, on Xbox Series X|S. This game offers you the chance to embody two contrasting characters: Naoe, a stealthy ninja, and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. Each character has distinct fighting capabilities, primarily influenced by the diverse weapons they can carry. You can equip up to two types of weapons, enabling you to mix and match strategies to your heart’s content. Here’s a detailed look at all the weapons available in Assassin’s Creed Shadows to help you find the perfect combo for any battle.

### Yasuke’s Arsenal

#### Long Katana

In the world of samurais, a katana is an indispensable tool. Yasuke’s long katana stands out for its speed, enabling swift, precise strikes against foes. Though it doesn’t boast extensive reach, its rapid attack cadence is perfect for cutting through smaller groups of adversaries or taking on those lone wandering ronin who dare challenge your might.

#### Naginata

The Naginata, a sweeping polearm, excels in crowd control. While it may not swing as fast as the katana, its long reach lets you keep opponents at bay. It’s particularly useful when confronting foes wielding naginatas themselves, turning the tide with its extended capability.

#### Kanabo

When brute strength is needed, Yasuke’s Kanabo—a massive club—delivers. What this weapon lacks in speed, it compensates for with devastating power. Even its lighter attacks can shatter an enemy’s defenses, and a series of blows might just obliterate their armor and health rapidly. But beware, wielding the Kanabo among numerous foes can leave Yasuke vulnerable to interruptions.

#### Bow

The bow is Yasuke’s silent accomplice, ideal for picking off guards from afar with stealth. Specific abilities enhance its prowess, allowing you to slow time while aiming or shoot multiple arrows in rapid succession, making it an effective choice even in direct confrontations.

#### Teppo

For situations where silence can be sacrificed, the teppo rifle is your go-to for high-impact shots. Be cautious, though, as the noise will attract attention, and the need to reload after each shot means you might have to switch to a melee option amid the ensuing chaos. This firearm isn’t just for direct combat; strategic setups like exploding gunpowder can be initiated with special abilities, and you can use the rifle itself as a melee tool before taking a shot.

### Naoe’s Collection

#### Katana

Naoe wields her katana distinctively; it’s as if she has redefined the weapon. Her combat style incorporates as many acrobatic kicks and flips as sword swings, highlighting her agility and making this medium-speed weapon highly effective for diverse encounters.

#### Tanto/Hidden Blade

Naoe’s tanto, paired with her Hidden Blade, unleashes rapid flurries against her enemies. Though it demands proximity for effectiveness, it’s perfect for individual confrontations. Her assassin skills enhance this weapon, allowing for dual assassinations when the tanto is one of her chosen weapons.

#### Kusarigama

The Kusarigama shines with versatility. Featuring a scythe and a metal ball on a chain, this weapon allows quick scythe strikes or sweeping swings with the ball, perfect for crowd control. Be mindful of its reach; although it’s beneficial, heavy swings might cause unintentional collateral damage. With mastery, Naoe can use the chain to swiftly close in and eliminate targets.

#### Tools

While Yasuke relies on traditional ranged weapons, Naoe employs a variety of throwable tools. Her kunai can swiftly dispatch unarmored foes, and shurikens offer a tactical advantage by stunning enemies, giving her space to strike decisively.

### Enhancing Your Weaponry

The upgrade system in Assassin’s Creed Shadows adds depth. Every weapon has a mastery tab where players can allocate points to boost damage and unleash new abilities. Weapons have levels too; with a Forge in your Hideout, you can upgrade them to match your player level, enhancing their basic stats.

Weapons are categorized by rarity—Common to Legendary. Uncommon weapons boast a unique bonus perk, while Rare and above offer dual engraving slots. This flexibility allows customization of weapons with perks that align with your playstyle, whether that’s increasing adrenaline gain or inflicting status effects.

Exploring varied loadouts will be key in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, as mastering all weapons ensures dominance over the battlefield. Remember, as long as your health surpasses that of your enemies, you’re on the right track.

Don’t forget, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set for release on March 20, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. Pre-order now for exclusive bonuses like the Claws of Awaji expansion and the Thrown to the Dogs quest. Or, opt for the Digital Deluxe Edition for additional gear and weapon sets, hideout customizations, and mastery points. Dive into the epic narrative set in Feudal Japan, explore the richly detailed world, and experience the intricate stories of Naoe the assassin and Yasuke the samurai as they forge their destinies.